Ernst Middendorp: I am more prepared for Chiefs this time

German reckons he’ll enjoy a more successful second spell with the Amakhosi.

Ernst Middendorp feels he is better prepared to bring success to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs compared to his first spell in charge of the club more than a decade ago.

The German was in charge of the Amakhosi for just under two seasons in 2005/06 and 2006/07. Though he won the Absa Cup and SAA Supa8, he struggled to win over fans and bring league success to the Soweto side.

He has returned to Chiefs this season, replacing Giovanni Solinas after the Italian was shown the door a few weeks ago, and Middendorp believes his added experience in South African football will stand him in good stead.

“I think coming into a country, like it happened in 2005/2006, not really knowing the environment and the players. Taking over a team of this size and brand, obviously you discover every day something new. I believe with the movement in the last years, more than a decade, I have this background information,” said Middendorp, who has won his first two matches at the helm.

“I don’t have to look around and try to find out. Every time when I was here I was going to the stadium, does not matter which stadium and which team [is playing]. It’s another background and the background is definitely very important. I have my confidence and I know what I am doing.”

He continued: “I think they [the players] have not probably shown their abilities and they have not shown their potential, but I am aware about it what players like [Lebogang] Manyama can do.”